The mute swan (Cygnus olor) is a species of swan and a member of the waterfowl family Anatidae. It is native to much of Europe and parts of Asia and (as a rare winter visitor) the far north of Africa.

Adult Mute Swans all have white feathers and orange beaks – but their feet give clues as to what they looked like as cygnets (young swans). That’s because there are two colour “morphs” or variations of …

In this peaceful lakeside nest, a devoted swan father gently feeds his newborn cygnets while their mother guards the nest. From fragile eggs to hungry chicks, these tiny cygnets must grow quickly ...

Cygnets are especially vocal and communicate through a variety of whistling and chirping sounds when content, as well as a harsh squawking noise when distressed or lost. Mute swans can be very …

Apr 9, 2025 · Discover the mute swan (Cygnus olor), a striking waterbird known for its elegance, fierce territoriality, and complex role in wetland ecosystems.

Male Mute Swans have a bigger knob than females. The irises are dark; the bill is pink, with a black tip. The legs and the fully webbed feet are dark-grey to black. Cygnets and juveniles have …

While feeding, mute swans use their feet to expose plant shoots and roots for foraging, and to help dislodge food for cygnets (i.e., young swans). This damages aquatic substrates and vegetation …

1 day ago · Mute swan with chicks in Hesse, Germany Silence on the water often means something special is happening—have you noticed how swans seem to turn lakes into slow-moving …

The mute swan (Cygnus olor) is one of the most iconic and recognizable waterfowl species in the world, renowned for its elegant form, glistening white plumage, and serene presence on lakes, rivers, and …

Chicks can ride on the backs of their parents or under their wings. By the following breeding season the parents drive the young away. The cygnets then join flocks of other non-breeding swans, and during …